Curt Schilling’s Official Blog

Apologize for the delay

To those that frequently check in I apologize for falling behind. Life threw a pretty good curve this past week and there’s a lot going on. Traveling back and forth and the checkup on the shoulder were rather time consuming.

The plan as of today is to be re-evaluated and go from there, today in Seattle.

Will catch up on some Q&A this week if you want to submit legitimate questions that are relevant to the forum, be it 38 Studios stuff or baseball.

Arm feels fine, the injection made an immense difference almost immediately, which was a great sign. So we are working towards milestones each day and hopefully I’ll begin throwing again in the next few days.

38 Studios is rapidly picking up steam, and things are moving much faster on some fronts than we ever anticipated. Stay tuned for news there as well.

Curt,
Hope everything goes okay with the shoulder. We are all crossing our fingers for you & would love nothing better than to see you back in the next few weeks.

Also, I wanted to thank you for your involvement in Strikeouts for Troops. My brother is a Marine, and I really appreciate the support that athletes like you, Manny & Barry Zito are giving these guys. It means a lot.

Question for you. Whenever you get a new pitcher on your team, do you try to pick their brain on how they go about pitching (such as what grip they use for say a splitter or what arm angle to throw a certain pitch)? Or is it a case of you know exactly how to throw a pitch (say a splitter for example’s sake) and don’t have any reason to try any other method for throwing it?

Glad to hear you’re feeling better. With regards to mattingly23, isn’t it sad that you have nothing better to do as a Yankee fan than troll a Sox blog? I suggest you save your criticism for Mussina and Clemens, who currently look like geriatrics.

Curt, I’ve got a MMO question for you. I was an avid UO player for a few years and was heavily involved in PvP and player killing. It was a real rush to go outside of protected areas and not know if a player I came across was going to say hi or start flinging spells at me. I also enjoyed knowing that I could lose everything I had on me in a blink of an eye. The risks were high, the players were ruthless, and the action was great. Will your upcoming games cater to PvPers at all? Will there be a place for murderers, thieves, and assassins?

Hope you feel better. My fiance and I are big fans of yours, and we hope the rest of the season goes well so we’ll once again see you in a Sox uniform next year!

The only thing missing in the game against Atlanta was the fastball. You threw a great splitter to McCann down and away that he somehow managed to slap into left field. You came back with the exact same pitch to Francouer and he swung right through it, so that was just a great piece of hitting nothing you can do about that. Also when you had to make a pitch to Thorman you hit your location with a 93 mph fastball. We all know your stuff is still there and we aren’t worried. Just take care of your shoulder and get back to 100 percent. Red Sox Nation can’t wait to have the best and most clutch pitcher in the game back!

Lots of Burhle talk right now. Tavarez has been great, but if he could slide to the pen and you could have Burhle in the rotation, I feel it would help the rotation as well as strengthen an already strong bullpen. Agree/Disagree?

Get well soon Curt.
Oh and “Mattingly23″…I think that you’re on the wrong blog dude. You are looking for 22middlerelief.com or 38gamesback.com I think. Might want to make a bookmark of that for next time…

I was wondering if you could comment at all on how Jon Lester is doing, mentally/physically/etc. I check the stats from time to time and he looks like he’s well on his way. I was just curious if you–as an insider–have had the opportunity to talk with him and/or see how he’s doing. I only hear tid bits here and there from the media. Thanks, take care of the shoulder and I look forward to seeing you back on the mound.

I’ve got a question in regards to your spot in the rotation. It was announced today the Gabby will be starting instead of Lester. Based on your knowledge of both pitchers, would you say thats the best move for the team? In my opinion, they’re both quality guys but as a true fan, Im anxious to see Jon back in the rotation.

Best of luck in getting healthy again. Give our love to the Schilling family from all Sox nuts in Idaho,

Good luck Curt. Hopefully the Sox will be smart and hold you back til after the All Star break. They are so far ahead right now that you would be needed later in the season and the playoffs.

I am upset that you don’t want to defend your man Bush on here. Stem Cell research could really cure some diseases, but he won’t let it happen. I think it has more to do with his ties to the heath care industry. Heck if diseases were cured than they would lose a lot of money, wouldn’t they?

i was curious as to whether you have any influence into any of managements decisions regarding trades and whatnot, or if you even bother voicing your opinion on the matters? i just hope we dont send away ellsbury for buerhle at all

Thank you so much for giving us an update. I am going crazy over here checking in several times a day to read something from your blog. It is one of my favorites. I thought maybe you were going to lay low after your last game and ther eis no need for that. We all have great days like throwing one hitters and we have tough days. Anyone who says they don’t is lying. haha.

I have a question about how much does flying across country with no day off and playing away have in stopping a winning streak you may have going on? Does it take a day or so to get back to normal or can you guys just go out and perform as usual? I imagine playing at home is great if the team visiting is flying in from the other coast and doesn’t have time to rest up from their last game.

I look forward to your return to the rotation. Take care and God bless you, your family, our troops, President George W Bush and the Iraq War.

For the love of God Mattingly SHUT UP. Get a life and go post at some blog concerning your own pathetic team.

Even Yankee fans must know it is over. They are so bored and pathetic they are not even bothering with their own team they are trolling a freaking blog that has not been posted on in weeks. Seriously you wish Schilling was part of your team and as a Yankee fan and the crap team your Cashman put on the field the last thing you should be doing is insulting Schilling. Your pitching staff is atrocious.

Everyone knows the best game is Diablo 2. I will however, whole heartedly agree I would rather have Irritable Bowel Syndrome than play WoW. Eek! Can’t wait for when you’re 100% and striking dudes out left and right again.

I still don’t understand why Yankees fans would want to spend their time on this blog if they thing your such a fraud. They shouldn’t be caring what you say or do off the field, but what you do on the field. Everyone gets their problems, and gets thrown the occasional curve ball which messes up your routine.

Congratulation on a terrific 1 hitter the other day. I hope to see you on the mound soon, cause I know that whenever your on the mound your going to fight your way through the game and do your best to give your team an opportunity to win.

I still hope that one day I will see you in the gaming world, or get to see you up close in real life.

Well, good luck and I am waiting impatiently for the amazing game you will release to the world, and can’t wait to reach the highest level.

Hopefully, this is a legitimate question to be answered…ill keep trying, eventually Ill get one answered…

what do you think of Mark Buerhle and if the Sox got him, where do you think he’d fit in??? Not trying to ask about any inside info on whether or not the Red Sox have made an offer, just want to know your thoughts on him and where he’d fit in if he happened to come here…thanks!!!

Curt, you are an awesome pitcher and I have no doubt you will be back in good form in no time! I will definitely do some praying for you! I myself used to be a classical singer and had an injury to my vocal chords which I could not come back from. Singing wasn’t God’s plan for me! But it is clear you are a pitcher, and I know this little test He is putting you through is all for the best. Can’t wait to see you pitch in the playoffs either!

Hey Schill!
I have two questions that I’ve asked before, but figured I would ask again (maybe get them to the front of the question line!! :) )…
First, so many fans (myself included) have the mentality when watching a game like that where they feel like they need to sit in the same spot, continue to drink the same drink, etc., as if it affects the outcome of the game. As players, do you guys do anything like that too? (either during a game where you’re pitching in, a game when the Sox are playing but you’re not pitching, or a game where you’re just watching as a fan)
Also, what’s your take on being a role model? Guys like you do such an amazing job of being role models for kids, but there are other athletes who, well, don’t. Is it even fair to ask athletes to be role models?
Thank you so much!!
Marahttp://www.cafepress.com/baseballbaby

Yeah mattingly23, why is it everytime the Yankees fall further and further back all you can do is rag on Schilling? Just like in the 2004 ALCS when you losers pulled the greatest choke job in the history of sports. Good luck with that bloody sock… it’s your curse for the next 100 years. oh yeah, and mattingly never won anything, just like the yankees in the 21st century.

Hey Curt, good to hear from you. I hope you heal up fast. I agree about the strikeout for troops. I have family in Iraq, and it does mean alot. I hope this pace continues, as much as I like competition, I would LOVE to see the yankees miss the playoffs!

I know you’ve got more pressing issues to deal with at the moment, but is there any chance of you and Larry Lucchino working out a bet like the one he has with Tito to get you to quit chewing tobacco? Maybe he could make the same pitch to anyone on the team who dips? Just a thought.

Anyone interested in 38 Studios discussion can feel free to drop in on the entirely UNOFFICIAL (I can’t stress enough that we are NOT affiliated with 38 Studios, just a fansite/watchgroup) website http://www.38fans.com (Is it ok to post this here? Just trying to drum up some excitement :D)

Curt, hopefully you will have a speedy and healthy recovery. It was nice to read your blog about your near no-hitter. I always get a kick out of announcers that question why a pitcher keeps throwing or not throwing a certain pitch. Most knowledgable fans know it is the catcher making the calls. I have plenty of sympathy and empathy for you, I have a daughter pitching and she has had many one hitters that are caused by my deciding to take over the pitch calling at the wrong time as the coach. Keep up the good work and thanks for allowing fans like myself such an insightful outlet to go to.

Well Curt- you are consistent. Consistently an A-Hole that is.
—–snip——
General manager Theo Esptein told reporters Friday that a midseason rest should lead to a stronger late-season Schilling.

The 40-year-old opening day starter doesn’t buy that reasoning.

“It’s easy to analyze that when you are not in uniform and never been in one,” Schilling said from the Boston clubhouse as he teammates left for batting practice. “That’s a good way to analyze it, I guess. It’s different, being in here.”
—–snip——

I mean, wow, it must be something to be so ego-driven that you can blast your boss in the press. Perhaps he looks at it a bit differently then you- as in from a TEAM perspective.

I was wondering what you thought about autograph signing, and that kind of thing like.

1) How do you decide whether to sign or not
2) Are there certain people/places/times that you sign for or at
3) How do you feel about people selling your autograph.
4) Are there certian items you like to sign more often
5) What makes you not sign for someone or a group

As an avid gamer, I have not spared too much time for sports in my lifetime, but I have managed to catch you and your fellow Sox almost every game this season in between when I am not playing Eve-Online. I am happy to have stumbled upon and embraced baseball this year and become a fan.

As I have just come out of college with a Mechanical Engineering B.S. and am living at home right now I must say I am on sort of a DL of my own, as I scramble to find a decent job while my parents breathe down my neck. I have had a depressing time getting my resume and portfolio stuff together, I have been pretty down about it, but looking up to my various role models is starting to give me the inspiration I need at times to get off my butt and to once again start pitching my own A-game. Anyways, here is the real reason why I went through the trouble to register and post here; a little bit of inspiration:

Additionally, we see alot of what you contribute on the field when you pitch…but, in being a team leader…how do you contribute during these periods when for whatever reason you miss a start? – You are a great pitcher with a tremendous knowledge of the game and it would be great to know that during these times you are actively working with people like Lester, Bucholz, and our other young pitchers – sharing your knowledge throughout the team (in addition to getting healthy as fast as possible – loyal Sox fans appreciate your efforts and miss your performance right now). Are these types of opportunities there…and do you take advantage of them, if they are?

Question for you, Curt. This is a little piece taken from an ESPN.com article:

General manager Theo Esptein [sic] told reporters Friday that a midseason rest should lead to a stronger late-season Schilling.

The 40-year-old Opening Day starter doesn’t buy that reasoning.

“It’s easy to analyze that when you are not in uniform and never been in one,” Schilling said from the Boston clubhouse as he teammates left for batting practice. “That’s a good way to analyze it, I guess. It’s different, being in here.”

Is everybody on the same page here? Was this taken out of context by the writer? Because this seems like an uncharacteristically nasty and unnecessary, almost CHB-like jab at Theo. The “you never played meaningful baseball, you stats nerd” angle is tired.

Mr. Schilling,
My ten year old son is just learning how to pitch, and is much stronger and more accurate when he throws sidearm rather than overhand. I know that throwing curve balls at such a young age can cause some damage, but could throwing sidearm be a problem as well?
My wife and I and our three young sons are huge Curt Schilling fans, and we can’t wait to see you back out on the mound again soon!
Jim

Ok so when do you see us using Lester? When do you see us letting go of Pena? It’s like we have 100 Chiefs here and no Indians everyone and their opinions. DO THIS AND DO THAT talk. I always like to use this. “If I were king for the day I would…….” Hope you get well soon Meat!:)

I was at your last start on Monday the 18th and noticed a rather strange looking warmup routine as you simulated you pitching motion and then repeated the motion in reverse. What is the purpose of this and how long has it been a part of your pregame routine? Thanks.

Curt,
Is it necessary to take a cheap shot at Theo? Just because he hasn’t been in a uniform? I am sure it is frustrating but to take cheap shots at the medical staff is dumb. Take your medicine and come back strong. You will get a contract.

Thanks for the post. It’s good to hear your arm feels better. Take your time and heal up, we’ll need you in October!!!! Maybe you can get a Clemens’ type gig when you pitch us to another World Series Win!!!

How common would you say that it is that MLB teams literally make up an injury so that a player can be placed on the DL? Does MLB actually allow teams to just decide willy-nilly that a poor start or two means the player’s injured?

I guess a decent response would be “Of course that’s what it would mean. Why else would a guy throw 8 2/3 no-hit innings, then come back next 2 games and pitch terrible.”

I guess I’m just looking for some insight into the inner-workings of MLB with respect to the use of the DL.

I saw that you made another “Why not us” t-shirt, well “Why not us again” but there was no mention of what it says on the back of the t-shirt. Does it have the same “If 25 men believe they can then they will” like in 2004 or is it just plain on the back? Thank you very much and good luck with the shoulder.

I have heard quite a few disparaging remarks regarding what some see has been Matt Clement’s abuse of the Boston Red Sox, with his lengthy DL stint and all. I have decided to take a different view, and I was hoping you could comment.

As a baseball player, you are required (to some extent) to listen to your employer (the team management) regarding workouts, conditioning, pitching workload, etc. In exchange, they pay you whether you are pitching or on the disabled list (because, since you are taking your orders from them, they should be able to keep you from going on extended DL stints). It is their job to manage your health.

Therefore, I feel people have come down far too heavy on Matt Clement. He pitched well for his first half-season, and then was nailed in the head from 60 feet away with a line drive. I’m not saying the Sox could have prevented that, but perhaps they could have managed his comeback differently. What it boils down to is this. For anyone who thinks that Matt Clement is ripping off the Sox, I need to ask you what you would expect from your employer (a paycheck!) if you were hurt on the job. You would expect to be paid even while recovering from your injury to where you could return to work.

Nice to finally hear from you again, I was starting to worry! It’s not like you to be away this long, hope you’re on the road to recovery! BTW, I asked a few questions a while back, hope to see an answer…thanks!

Curt,
I understand that you have your pride and want to feel like you are worth a lot, but would you take a deal for less if it meant staying in Boston? Like, as of now I do not think you are worth 13 million dollars. And one of the reasons I orginally liked you was that you seemed to not worry about the money as much as worry about the game, and the team. So, I guess I am wondering how much of getting a contract is about making top dollar and how much is about your pride?
Regardless, I hope you heal up and thank you for supporting out troops!

I’m indirectly responsible for the snarky question above about Bush’s “Strikeout for America.” But it was written by a friend of mine who happens to be a Tribe fan, and as a citizen in good standing of RSN, allow me to make it up to you by kissing your ring or somesuch. However, it grew out of a discussion we had because I seed your stuff on Newsvine, even on occasion your radio interviews. Even though my friend and I both disagree with you on Bush and Iraq, we both have enormous respect for you because it’s obvious you spend a lot of time thinking about the world larger than yourself.

I mean, I can disagree with you heatedly about Iraq, but I care what you think about it. I’d run screaming from the room if D & C asked Johnny Damon about Iraq. The question, then, is: How do you get along with teammates or former teammates most of whom surely do not share your interests in the world outside the clubhouse or the diamond?

I am so glad you had the chance to check in and give us an update with your shoulder. You deserve a little rest. Every time I watch you pitch I see you giving your all (even with the rough starts). It’s okay to step back and take a breath but of course we know the teamplayer you are and hate being on the sidelines.

I have a chiropractor in Atlanta that can help get that tendinitis out of your shoulder much quicker along with your rehab. He has worked with John Smoltz in the past. He utilizes cold laser therapy. Send me an email and I’ll get you his information. He’s not a typical back cracker. He’s more of a holistic healer who utilizes the cold laser and other forms of therapy for health and wellness. I’ve had him work on my shoulder tendinitis and it works.

Glad to hear the shoulder is better. I don’t care how many young pitchers are doing well in AAA, we need you healthy for the inevitable world series this year in October. (I refuse to be a typical pessimist this year).

My question for you: Seems like your son is an avid baseball player. I know that Brad Mills son was drafted this year. How do you feel about your son following your footsteps into the Major Leagues? Do you encourage it as a parent if he so chooses that path, or not?

Thanks for checking in Curt, I have been wating on word from you directly on how the shoulder is. This might be a dumb question, but could going deep into the one-hitter game been the start to the shoulder problems?

you got a cortisone shot in your arm – what is the difference between this performance enhancing procedure and steroids? is it simply that steroids are illegal? or that they are bad for longterm health? are cortisone shots entirely healthy with no longterm effects?

i’m genuinely curious – we make such a big deal about “performance enhancing” but there are plenty of legal performance enhancement options – where do we draw the line, and is it as arbitrary a line as it seems?

Curt,
I read your quote in the paper where you are not happy looking at this “rest” as a good thing. I remember my Dad telling me in 86 how this was the best thing that happened to Bruce Hearst and the Red Sox. He was also limited by injuries during a portion of the season and he was the dominant pitcher in the playoffs. Many will recall that his name was flashed up on the Shea stadium screen as series MVP until … well, we won’t talk about that.

I know that you will work hard to get back as soon as possible, but I personally think this is a good thing for the Sox in October. I would love to see a 3-man rotation in the playoffs/series (Beckett, Dice-K and you) and this break may be just what you need to be fresh to handle that extra workload after a long season.

Curt get well soon. Curt do you see the RedSox getting anyplayers before the July trading deadline? Who do you think the redsox might try to get and why? Curt is 38 studios selling redsox shirts that says why not us and also does 38 studios sell shirts with players names? The second half after the all star break is going to be great and the players on the redsox with slumps will break out and do great!!!!!!!!!. Go REDSOX!!!!!!!!!. Take care and you will be back soon Curt. Don’t rush back.

Thanks for checking in Curt. Although I, too want you to heal and hurry the heck back – there’s no true rush since we have a nice lead in the ALEast thanks, in part, to you. Looking forward to watching you make playoff outs!

Curt that would be cool if the REDSOX can get Mark Buerhle. Who do you think the RedSox can trade to get him. What are the chances of Mark Buerhle coming to the REDSOX and tell me what you think? What is Mark Buerhle’s record right now Curt. That would be great to see and Yankees watch out if the REDSOX get Mark Buerhle do you agree with me Curt?

1) So far, baseball writers who vote for baseball’s hall of fame have been reluctant to cast votes for closers (as well as other relief pitchers). Last year, Bruce Sutter became just the third closer inducted into the hall of fame.

What are your thoughts on the reluctance to induct closers into the hall of fame, and, do you think we’ll see a change in voting trends when more big name closers (such as Mariano Rivera or Trevor Hoffman) become hall of fame eligible.

2) I read an article which stated you had incorporated martial arts training into your off-season workout. What martial arts have you studied, and how do you feel they have changed your conditioning?

You write often about the intense pregame routine you have, and the amount of work you and your catcher put in to developing a game plan for each hitter.

I’m curious how often you stray from the game plan due to in-game developments, such as having a mediocre fastball that doesn’t provide much protection for the split? Does the rhythm of the game ever dictate a departure from the game plan?

Schill
It must be like waiting for paint to dry. Hey dont worry. I have been a Schilling fan for a long time. You came to Boston and said you are here to bring a world series. You did what you said. Lets not all forget that. You risked your career playing with the nasty injurie with a ground breaking surgery. You have my respect and admiration. Pay no attention to mattingly23, he doesnt deserve the space that his wannabee post takes up. Guess he’s just still realing from the biggest choke in history of baseball. Oh yes and lets not forget his yankees are so far back its unlikely they will even make a wild card spot. Of course getting Clemmens the baseball mercenary really was a great move. cough cough. Do what they want you to do so we can have you in prime condition for the remainder of the season and of course the World series. Your already a hall of famer in B-Town. Love the Blog and get better

No, it’s not over, and I hate to bring this up in front of a bunch of Sox fans, but 1978 was just like the 2007 season so far for the Yankees. The Sox jumped out to a huge lead 14.5 by mid July. Sure enough by October of 1978 it was the Yankees, not the Red Sox who were celebrating the Title. It’s not over until the Yankees are out of contention.

Hey Curt,
I know the shoulder will be just fine and you will be putting up zeros by the end of next week. I am going to miss watching you work tonight.

But here’s a question for Q & A.

I’m sure you were asked this already but I haven’t read many comments. What are your thoughts on the possible acquissitian of Mark Buerhle. I for one would love to have a left hander in the staff. Moving Tavares to the bullpen wouldn’t be a bad move also. I am just a little nervous about giving up too many valuable prospects. I heard Ellsbury’s name tossed around. That could be a horrible move. What are your thoughts?

I hope all is well with your shoulder! If you need a second opinion or anything, I know a great shoulder surgeon in Boston. He’s the cheif of the Harvard shoulder service at Brigham and Womens. He’s done a great job on my mom’s shoulder, and saved her arm when she broke it really bad. If youAs for recovery, just work at your own pace. We want to see you pacing yourself, not rushing to fast to come back. Best wishes to you and your family!

Curt,
I know you will come back strong. I do have a question. What do you think we need for help. I know we are looking good at this point. Its no secret that Ortiz has a hamstring problem which is hindering his bat. He’s still makes the most out of his at bats.
Should we go after a pitcher either from another team or minors who can give us a strong six, or another bat. We see game after game that Lugo is in a deep funk and for what we read that he is reluctant in taking advice. Of course we really dont know how true that is. It would be hard to replace his speed and abilities as a SS. Should we be looking for a replacement for Lugo and maybe bring back Trot to free up some of the payroll? I am not that impressed with J.D. Drew at all. Half the fly balls hit his way would have been caught by Trot or at least he would do what he has always done in the past. Get his uniform dirty. It seems like Drew has a problem with getting dirty. I really dont know what top office was thinking when they gave him such a lucritive contract. I know you most likely wont speak against any of your team mates which I respect. Whats your take on this.
Get well soon…

I have a couple of questions/thoughts:
– What is the trade deadline like from a player’s perspective? It must be a little unsettling – even if you aren’t one of those that might be traded – because some of your teammates might be leaving.
(15 minutes later)
I guess, in retrospect, I only have one question/thought. I think my brain is fried….it is way too hot in Boston right now. I’m going to go see if I can fit in my freezer now.

I’d like to know about the development of the “changeup.” I know it’s a pitch you’ve worked on in the off-season and then in spring training, but have only seen you use it once or twice a game. Is it a pitch you’re not yet confident in? Or is it a pitch you don’t think you need with the fastball-splitter 1-2 punch?

Curt,
Glad to here you are getting back in to the swing of things, I love to check in and read all about ya from time to time.
Also as a Yankees fan, I would like to thank every other Yankees fan that reads this for making the rest of us all look like jerks. I may be new to the whole blog thing, but please don’t send replys like you know what we like or think! I enjoy reading this and don’t have any ill wishes for the Sox or Curt.

But I really wanted to know about throwing blue smoke! I wasn’t even having a beer with my ballpark hot dog. And I am not psychic. Yet I swear I saw a trail of blue behind those fastballs. I have wondered ever since if anybody else has seen such a phenomenon. I wish I had asked the people around us, Maybe those old ball parks had such baseball energy built up that they did things to the air. I have always wished I had seen Noland Ryan pitch at his fastest, just to check. I guess I’ll just have to chalk it up to Dreamtime.

Curt,
Take care of yourself first of all because you have a family of your own that needs you the most. We want you back when your ready. Sometimes i wonder if it is just the west coast that gets us it seems that we struggle a bit more out there. Does the time change or jet leg play a role in the games we play out west?

Well we are comming to see the Sox play at Detroit on 7-7-07 can’t wait. Got to see my first game in Boston last year and LOVED it , wish I lived closer. But all us fans in Indiana are routing for you to get better.

I’m a huge Red Sox fan(from RI), and a lover of MMOs. I’ve been playing them since around ’96(a MUD called Dragonrealms) , and of course it’s my dream to work for a company like yours once I get out of the Army. Though it’s another 6 years till I can retire.

So to my questions.

Have you already started working on a project yet? You have a few of the greatest minds in Fantasy and Gaming working for you, I can’t wait to hear what it is.

If so, what stage are you at right now?

Lastly (and more personally), will you employ people only at your company’s headquarters or would you hire people like myself that could work from what ever location they happen to be at?

Rest that shoulder, and like Viki said…don’t rush back, we’d rather have you for 15 to 20 more starts than just 1.

For your next q & a if you get a chance. I was wondering if you agree with me on an all star game debate I had with my brother. I feel that if the winner of the all star game wins home field advantage for that league then the host city should rotate each year between an American league and National league park since you play by the host cities rules. It’s not fair to the American league that two years in a row we play in a National league park.

I am glad to hear that you are feeling better about your pitching shoulder and all. I think I got a sense of your stance on being on the DL — in short: that you don’t want to be there at all. Do you think that in the long run, you might be better for the rest?

I sometimes have the feeling that almost everybody (Jon Papelbon last year?) could do for a “random” stint on the DL mid-season to recuperate, and so that they’re not completely fatigued by October. On the flip side, I could understand the frustration of going on the DL and not being able to help out your team *now*. What is your opinion on this matter?

First off, good luck on the recovery trail. The sox need you and I’m sure you’ll come back stronger.

For the Q+A: I noticed above that a reader was asking you about cortisone shots and how they compare to steroids. Granted cortisone shots are not anabolic steroid injections, do not promote growth, and only counteract inflammation. There is no danger of “roid rage” or any adverse side effects besides the weakening of the actual tissues you’re trying to heal. However, cortisone is a steroid in the true sense of the word. It’s interesting to note that Sandy Koufax, in the mid sixties, was basically a pin-cushion for cortisone shots, and was regarded as brave and courageous for playing through his arm pain. This brings me to the question – is the reason that cortisone is legal because it’s basically safe, even though it is technically “performance enhancing”? Maybe nobody cares about cortisone, or aspirin for that matter, because they’ve been around so long and most baseball players have historically had legal access to these substances? Even though when healthy you’re obviously one of the greatest pitchers of all time, do you feel that your legacy is at all compromised by the fact that you have access to modern medicine? Your most famous and courageous accomplishment was made possible by a radical ankle procedure performed by an ingenious surgeon. Just think it would be interesting to hear your take. This is by no means a front to your accomplishments – if i were a pitcher there’s no way I’d let anything that legal medicine could take care of keep me off the mound!

Bad break, but we all know you’ll bounce back (well, we fans do — the goons that host ‘EEI don’t seem to believe).

May I add that there is a good natural remedy for tendinitis, Curt. I use it all the time, and in my over 40 league I am something of a throwback (pitching 3x as much as everyone else). I likely would have been drafted but injured my knee in High School and that scared everyone off.

Curt, you made it into “The Onion,” as per below. That’s just one step below Jon Stewart….

BOSTON—Curt Schilling announced Monday that, upon his eventual return from the disabled list, he will begin liveblogging from the pitcher’s mound itself in an effort order to provide the most in-depth look yet into how a player thinks when he’s on the field. “38pitches.com will be going live during my next start, providing my up-to-the-minute thoughts on pitch count, how my split is working, and descriptions of what the people behind home plate are wearing, hopefully as soon as July 4 against the Devil Rays,” said Schilling, who showed up to the press conference with a laptop and a pair of glasses. “Now fans will know what’s going through Curt Schilling’s head when he’s facing young slugger Elijah Dukes with a man on second and two outs in the fifth, not to mention what I think of the alleged threats he made on his wife’s life. It’s really a shame—well, I don’t want to get ahead of myself. I guess you’re just going to have to wait! And while you’re visiting 38pitches.com, be sure to check out 38studios.com, my video-game production company. And let’s find a cure for ALS.” When alerted that laptops would most likely not be permitted on the mound, Schilling mentioned the possibility of hiding a Blackberry in the rosin bag.

I gotta ask: Are you able to admit to your coaching staff when you are hurt and might need some time off to avoid further injury? I understand this is frowned upon in MLB and may be viewed as not toughing it out. How does this play a factor in your decision making?

Also, I consider you one of the most cerebral pitchers in the game. What is your role in imparting your knowledge of MLB hitters to pitchers like Matsuzaka-san and Okajima-san?

#81, about (rah, rah) the 2007 season being “just like” the 1978 season for the Yankees? That’s JUST a bit off base.

Look it up, actionsportsx, the 1978 Yankees may have been 14.5 in back of the Red Sox in July, but they were ALSO 7 games OVER .500 (July 15). Not 3 games UNDER .500 at the end of June, as the current Yankees are. In fact, the 2007 Yankees have been OVER .500 only 13 days so far this season.

The 1978 Yankees also played 6 of their final 7 games at Yankee Stadium, which probably helped get them to that 163rd game with the Red Sox. The 2007 Yankees will play their final 6 games on the road, where they currently are 9 games under .500 (6 games over .500 at home currently).

——————————

And viktordva in #71: A cortisone shot in the affected area of tendinitis in a shoulder is NOT a “performance enhancing procedure”.

It’s a minimally invasive medical treatment for inflammation…with a compound used for its anti-inflammatory properties (I know that without even Googling “cortisone shot”, which you too can do). It’s designed solely to decrease the inflammation in the soft tissues, which if untreated can lead to scar tissue and decrease in range of motion.

curt,we’re stuck in ohio, but the hometown fans in boston have to realize how lucky they are to have a team with you as their true ace. i hope they also realize what a true team player you are. naturally, you want back on the hill asap, but we don’t want to lose you again in a couple of weeks. no true member of redsox nation in this country wants that. well go sox. and god bless you curt.

I wanted to know if you had a chance to read the Globe article, “Station this Wagon” by Eric Wilbur on the “omnipresence of the bandwagon Red Sox fan”. As a transplanted Bostonian in Florida, I’ve seen the sudden influx of so-called Sox fans in this state and others since about late September of ’04. As a Red Sox and as a player, what is your take on traveling to ball parks and having the away team’s fans match or sometimes eclipse the home team’s fans? Do you feel it’s good for the Red Sox? For Baseball?

Just a reminder. The Yankees lost the ’04 ALCS. They were up 3-0 and then had the biggest choke in sports history. Curt Schilling also pitched in Game 6. He pitched 7 innings, allowing 4 hits and 1 run. It forced Game 7. The Red Sox won that one, too. We all know what happened in the next 4 games. Thanks Curt.

I know you are a stats/analysis oriented player. I was wondering what your thoughts were on the article at the Hardball Times hat looked at the Enhance GameDay data from your last start in Atlanta. Obviously there was a dramatic difference in that start, it was interesting to see that born out by the data.

Hey! Awesome blog you have here! Glad to see you back, and I hope you start feeling better soon. I also wanted to tell you, when you write new blog posts, go over to BeTheRef.com and post a link to your story, and hopefully get a few extra readers. Keep up the great work!

1. What’s up with the offense lately? How is it that, lately, we can get guys on second or third with no outs and not score them? Is this just a team slump, or is there something more going on?

2. What did you think of Jacoby Ellsbury last night? I thought he looked a little weak at the plate, but I’m attributing that to MLB-callup jitters.

3. With the dreaded Trade Deadline *duh duh duuuuuh* approaching, what do you think the Sox will try to do? Obviously, there’s the Buehrle deal, and I’ve also heard that the Sox are interested in Akinori Otsuka. I’ve heard various musings on SoSH’s Sandbox about going after Jarod Saltalamacchia for a future catcher.

4. What’s your take on the Julio Lugo situation? Not just the steal attempt last night, but all of his struggles. Is this something that can be fixed? Is his confidence shot? What is the team doing to try and fix this?

Thank you for all that you and the other pitchers are doing for the troupes, my son is in Iraq and I can’t wait for him to come home, he is ALSO a big fan of yours.

The other is just a quick thought about the 1 hitter, I had read where you said you had shaken off your catcher on the ball that was hit. I was watching the game and actually saw you wave off several that day… and on those you were right, it just wasn’t meant to be that day… but you will have one….

I do not know what is NOT allowed on except HERE except, perhaps, obvious “spam.” As you can see, MFY fans are allowed to attack him very personally, claim he is a “fraud,” blah . . . blah. I, myself, got into a short “discussion” with someone on Curt’s religion on his “Sock Entry.” I doubt my views would be agreeable to Curt, but yet it was posted in its entirety.

Hell, people even swear.

So unless you are posting something REALLY offensive, methinks you need to check if you are posting correctly. Sometimes it may take a day or so for a post to be officially posted.

I know we Phillies phans loved having you in pinstripes and would love to have your arm back again, along with your wisdom for the younger pitchers. Would you be open to coming back to Philadelphia to finish out your career?

Hey Kurt, please try Regenerative Injection Therapy for your shoulder and stop doing cortisone. RIT or prolotherapy has been around for 70 years and the team surgeon is not going to tell you about it. RIT works by rebuilding new ligament and tendon tissue. Please research it!! I am originally from Boston and my family is still out there. My dad told me about your blog and wanted me to tell you this. We are all Red Sox fans and want another World Championship!! I would assume that 10% of the MLB players are doing prolotherapy without anyone knowing since your team can void your contract for having treatment outside the team surgeons. You can call Matt Riley who had his elbow “reconstructed” He is now throwing 96MPH after doing a series of prolotherapy treatments and 2 failed elbow surgeries… You can also call Chris Gomez of the Baltimore Orioles who had his knees “eradicated” Team surgeons will allow a player to do prolotherapy when they consider their career over and there are no more surgeries that they can do. My sister does prolotherapy in Colorado at Colorado Osteopathic & Sports Medicine. Just find an expert in RIT who does it for 95% of their business and has formal training.

Curt,
What’s been the hardest part about being told your on the DL until after the ALL-Star break?
Do you share any of the opinions out there that say it will help the team in the long run?
Do you think it benefit your own health over the remaining portion of the season?
What gets you going before a game? Music? Talking with Teammates? Going over your notebook of info on the player of the team you are up against?
Speaking of music, what’s your favorite type? group? song?
Best of luck on your next start, My fiancee and I will be yelling at the T.V. from the begining of each game ’til the end.

hey mattingly23 or do mean Arod wantobe what ever your real name is you suck, and ha ha ha Arod has gota hammy injury!!!!! so what if mattingly23 doesn’t play anymore do you remember the when the world series was won by Randy and Curt!!!! back in 2001!!! so no bloody sock there and noi shoulder injury for Randy and then Curt comes to Beantown to break an 86 year old curse, so ask yourself is Arod just trying to prove himself as af ree agent this year or is he taking something to help his ego?

hey Curt no need to apologize…this is a friendly site and as I said before everyone is entiltled to his or her respose but to those of you that need to vent that the Yankees are not THE team, please come come out of the baseball closet and admit that the Bronx is not rockin’ like it used to for now….and if you do get the wild card, good luck cause u r gonna need it! and also please pick user id who is a current player in MLB before you criticize! thank you.

Going back to the Texas series, I’m interested to hear your thoughts on Manny Delcarmen – not necessarily in general, but of his performance in the 8th against Sammy Sosa. I know it’s only one instance, but can you speak to how significant it is for a young up-and-comer trying to make his bones his the MLB to strike out one of the 5 greatest home run hitters in the history of the game with the bases loaded, full count, trying to hold onto a one-run lead and the win for Wake?

Maybe it’s just the Red Sox fan in me, or the fact that Delcarmen is a home-grown talent, but I really felt like that was a significant performance. Could this be the type of event that is a turning point for someone like Delcarmen, or just something to tip your hat to – not hang it on?

Julian is pitching fantastic, but isn’t he the TO of this team…? I mean I get the feeling that he will swell up and be pissed when he gets sent to the pen when we obviously have younger options who can and will be much better than him soon. So we have to pamper Julian Tavarez who makes his money because of one good year he had for St. Louis (in the JV league) in the pen? It’s like well we called up Lester, Curt is back at 100%, just traded for Buerhle, Peavy just demanded to get traded to us and will restructure his contract for the minimum…..BUT we still have to leave Julian in the 5 slot. It’s frustrating, but when he gets sent to long relief his ERA will balloon to 6.92 just because he’s a punk. Release Tek, Julian HAS to be a starter.

Made the drive from NJ to Boston today for the game. Nice win for the team, and even nicer to see you long tossing in the outfield before the game. It appeared you were throwing as far as 100 feet. Hope that’s an indication you’re feeling better.

Outside of the (sometimes biased) opinion of coaches, trainers and teammates, do you ever take into account the experiences and concerns of less-known confidants? Has a non-partisan (albeit trusted) third opinion ever influenced your decision when it comes to playing the game or taking a break from it?

as an avid sox fan who has the unique opportunity of giving it right back to yankee fans that fly out of logan…and actually had the last few yankee fans reply and i quote”hah at least the Red Sox dont have the best record in MLB” this coming literally right after i bring up the 11 game lead on NY…and also mentioning hah…wasnt even 2nd place yankees….and hello how long did the sox not have the best record…like a day….Curt continued success in your return and looking forward to another october with the rest of Red Sox Nation…as for mattingly 23….happy birthday george…cry in his cake and eat his socks too …..GO SOXXXXXXXXXX

Just got around to reading the last half of the posts and had to point out to #110 and others who wonder about the propriety of steroid injections and performance, that carried to an extreme we could rule out the athletic accomplishments of anyone who has had Tommy John surgery, or any diabetics like Sal Bando who took insulin if we wish to be absurd. There is usually a pretty good reason certain substances are considered illegal and it is in a totally different category than using the benefits of our modern medicine and surgery.

James 1:22 feels like that's exactly what most of us doYou never know how strong you can be until being strong is the only choice you have 5 hours ago

Parents, teachers, mentors, friends, want to stop bullying? Start with the source. twitter.com/rethinkwords World Changing young womanYou never know how strong you can be until being strong is the only choice you have 1 day ago

ref·uge: a condition of being safe or sheltered from pursuit, danger, or trouble. Helped me get past chemo/radiation in peace Psalm 119:114You never know how strong you can be until being strong is the only choice you have 1 day ago

Stop overthrowing #33. 1-0 2 outs, just make the pitchYou never know how strong you can be until being strong is the only choice you have 1 day ago